Everything You Need to Know About Hydroponic Arugula

If you’re starting a hydroponic greenhouse in your home, leafy greens are an excellent crop to grow. They’re particularly easy to adapt to a hydroponic system, are full of nutrition, and are popular with consumers, too. One leafy green that many hydroponic growers choose is arugula. 

Arugula adds a delicious peppery punch to salads and sandwiches. It’s exceptionally easy for new growers to master and can be harvested repeatedly from the same plant. Here are some tips on how to grow arugula to achieve the best hydroponic arugula yield.

How to Grow Hydroponic Arugula

Planting

• Germination: Start by germinating arugula seeds in a cool environment (around 65°F) for 7-10 days. Use a grow medium like rockwool or coco coir in a seedling tray.

• Transplanting: When seedlings reach about 2 inches, move them into the hydroponic system, maintaining a pH level of 6.0-7.5 in the nutrient solution.

• Nutrients: Arugula thrives with a nutrient mix rich in nitrogen, promoting lush leaf growth. Eden Green offers specially formulated solutions that cater to leafy greens like arugula.

Ideal Environment

• Light: Provide arugula with 12-14 hours of light daily. LED grow lights with a balanced spectrum are ideal for supporting strong growth.

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F (15°C - 21°C) to mimic the cool-weather conditions arugula loves.

• Water and pH: Regularly monitor water pH and adjust nutrient solutions as needed to keep plants healthy and productive.

Upkeep and Pruning

• Regular Harvesting: Start harvesting baby leaves when they reach 2-3 inches long, typically around four weeks. Regularly picking outer leaves encourages new growth and extends the plant’s productive life.

• Water Quality: Keep the water clean, changing it every two weeks to prevent nutrient buildup.

• Pest Management: While hydroponics reduces pest risks, always monitor for aphids and other common greenhouse pests.

Harvesting

• Timeline: Arugula is ready to harvest within 30-40 days. Baby greens can be harvested earlier for tender salads or let the plants mature for larger, more robust leaves.

• Method: Use a cut-and-come-again approach, harvesting the outer leaves and allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. This method ensures a continuous supply of fresh greens.

How to Cook Arugula

Arugula's peppery, slightly bitter flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in many dishes. While it shines in fresh salads, arugula can add a burst of flavor to both raw and cooked recipes. Here are some creative and delicious ways to incorporate hydroponic arugula into your meals:

🥗 Fresh Arugula Salads

Preparation:

• Rinse and pat dry arugula leaves to maintain their crispness. Arugula can be used as a base for salads or mixed with other greens for added flavor.

Recipe Idea: Arugula and Citrus Salad

• Ingredients: Fresh arugula, orange segments, thinly sliced fennel, toasted almonds, and shaved Parmesan.

• Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.

• Instructions: Combine salad ingredients, drizzle with dressing, and toss gently. This refreshing salad pairs well with grilled chicken or seafood.

🍕 Arugula on Pizza

Method:

• After baking your pizza, add a handful of fresh arugula on top. The residual heat will slightly wilt the leaves, giving a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of melted cheese and tomato sauce.

Recipe Idea: Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza

• Ingredients: Thin crust pizza, tomato sauce, mozzarella, prosciutto, fresh arugula, and balsamic glaze.

• Instructions: Bake the pizza with sauce and cheese. Once out of the oven, layer prosciutto and fresh arugula, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.

🥪 Arugula in Sandwiches and Wraps

Preparation:

• Use arugula as a crisp, peppery addition to sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. It adds freshness and a slight bitterness that balances richer flavors.

Recipe Idea: Turkey and Arugula Wrap

• Ingredients: Whole wheat tortilla, sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, fresh arugula, thinly sliced cucumbers, and a light aioli.

• Instructions: Spread aioli on the tortilla, layer with turkey, cheese, arugula, and cucumbers. Roll tightly and slice into pinwheels for an easy lunch or snack.

🍝 Arugula in Pasta Dishes

Method:

• Toss arugula into warm pasta just before serving. The heat from the pasta will lightly wilt the arugula, integrating it smoothly into the dish.

Recipe Idea: Lemon Arugula Pasta

• Ingredients: Cooked pasta (e.g., linguine or penne), olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, fresh arugula, and grated Parmesan.

• Instructions: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add pasta, lemon zest, and toss in fresh arugula. Top with Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for a bright and flavorful meal.

🌯Arugula Pesto

Method:

• Blend arugula with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and nuts (pine nuts or walnuts) to create a peppery twist on traditional pesto. Use it as a spread, pasta sauce, or marinade.

Recipe Idea: Arugula Pesto Crostini

• Ingredients: Sliced baguette, arugula pesto, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled goat cheese.

• Instructions: Toast baguette slices, spread with pesto, and top with tomatoes and goat cheese for a quick and elegant appetizer.

🥬 Sautéed Arugula

Method:

• While arugula is often served raw, it can also be quickly sautéed. Cook arugula in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil and garlic, adding a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. This method is perfect as a quick side dish or a base for grilled fish or chicken.

Recipe Idea: Sautéed Arugula with Garlic and Pine Nuts

• Ingredients: Fresh arugula, garlic, olive oil, toasted pine nuts, salt, and lemon juice.

• Instructions: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add arugula, and cook until just wilted. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and finish with lemon juice for a simple yet flavorful side.

Arugula Nutrition Facts

One reason arugula is best served raw is that this preserves its best health benefits. It’s full of antioxidants and glucosinates, two beneficial compounds that are beneficial for anyone. Some claim that arugula can help fight inflammation, and its high level of Vitamin K is good for your bones and particularly helpful in preventing osteoporosis. It may even help prevent certain cancers and reduce your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.

Other vitamins and minerals found in arugula include:

• Calcium

• Folate

• Iron

• Magnesium

• Potassium

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin C

A cup of arugula contains only five calories, about half a gram of protein, and less than 0.15 grams of fat.

Arugula is more than just a salad green—it’s a versatile, nutrient-rich ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Whether fresh or lightly cooked, arugula offers a unique peppery flavor that enhances everything from pastas to pizzas. With Eden Green’s hydroponic technology, you can enjoy the freshest arugula available, grown sustainably and delivered quickly to maintain its crispness and flavor.

For more information on hydroponic produce and sustainable agriculture, visit Eden Green Technology and learn how we’re changing the future of farming.